La Verne to Open Center to Assist Small Business Owners

It’s a boon for entrepreneurs and a boost for economic growth.

The University of La Verne is set to open a Small Business Development Center on Aug. 6, offering the East San Gabriel Valley free business consulting, as well as low-cost seminars and conferences. The U.S. Small Business Administration and Long Beach Community College District partnered with La Verne to make the project a reality.

“Supporting our local small businesses and aspiring entrepreneurs is our main goal,” said University President Devorah Lieberman. “We are thrilled to host the SBDC program because it aligns perfectly with our core values.”

Dr. Abe Helou, Dean of the College of Business and Public Management, dreamed up the idea as a way to support the business community, said Sean Snider, center director.

“The SBDC program is built on the concept of combining the resources of institutions of higher learning and government to assist small businesses,” Snider said.

The site will be a part of the Los Angeles Regional SBDC Network, serving businesses in Los Angeles, Ventura and Santa Barbara counties. La Verne’s center will serve business owners living or working in cities such as Pomona, West Covina, Diamond Bar, Claremont, San Dimas, La Verne, Industry and Hacienda Heights. But it’s also open to small businesses and entrepreneurs in surrounding cities as well.

The University will host an open house from 2 to 4 p.m. to formally introduce the program and its services to the community. The center will be open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

For more information on the University of La Verne SBDC or to RSVP for the open house, visit www.lavernesbdc.org, or call, (909) 448-1556.